0
0
Kenyans will continue benefiting from voluntary services offered by the Sonko Rescue Team that is associated with former Nairobi Governor Mike Mbuvi Sonko.
This is despite plans by the Public Benefit Organizations Regulatory Authority (PBORA) to cancel the registration certificates of 2,802 non-governmental organizations (NGOs).
The former governor has stated that the organization is ready to reach out to PBORO to iron out all issues touching on regulations and operating models as per the new regulations.Sonko said that he has no problem with the government’s move but called for talks and consultations to save jobs.
“I want to assure Kenyans that Sonko Rescue Team will continue operating because we are law abiding and ready to meet with the regulator to see what needs to be done,” he said
The initiative was started to provide emergency services and social support in Nairobi.
It offers ambulance services, putting out infernos, clean water distribution, and aid to the underprivileged. It’s funded privately and operates alongside local government services.
It is part of the 2,802 non-governmental organisations (NGOs) that will lose their licenses in 15 days if it fails to meet the demands.
However, the former governor has opined that the regulator must consider the plight of the young people working for the NGOs and give more room for dialogue to allow for compliance.
“No one wants to lose their jobs and we also do not want to default deliberately and that is why the regulator must give more room and amnesty for compliance,” he added.
According to a Gazette notice issued by Lindon Nicolas, the CEO of the regulator, the NGOs violated some of their licensing terms. This Authority was formed after President William Ruto operationalised the Public Benefit Organisations Act 2013 (PBO Act) in May.
Read also: Sonko wins big against Lawyer Cecil Miller Case.
Under the Act, the board of the PBO Authority has functions that include registering and deregistering NGOs, advising the government on their activities and role in national development, maintaining the register, and ensuring compliance with statutory obligations.
The organisations are said to have breached the provisions of the Public Benefit Organizations (PBO) Act, 2013 and violated the terms of their certificates, according to a Kenya Gazette notice dated November 21.
“Notice is given pursuant to Section 18 (1) of the Public Benefit Organizations Act, 2013, that the Public Benefit Organizations Regulatory Authority intends to cancel the registration certificates of the organisations listed in the Schedule hereto on the grounds that they have breached the provisions of the Act and violated the Terms and Conditions attached to their certificates,” the acting director of the Public Benefit Organizations Regulatory Authority, Lindon Nicolas, said.
This comes a month after the Environment and Land Court in Nairobi ruled in favor of Sonko, affirming his ownership of his Upper Hill office.
The lawsuit filed in July 2022 by Rajkosmag Company Limited claiming ownership of the property designated as Land Reference Number 209/6507—based on an alleged sale agreement with Kenya Railways Corporation in 2003 was dismissed.
Rajkosmag initiated legal action in July 2022, asserting that it held rightful ownership of the property
Sonko, however, countered in his affidavit that the lease was crucial for his public service work through the Sonko Rescue Team, which offers emergency rescue and social support services to Nairobi residents.
The court heard that the property was bought through a sister company Primix Enterprises Ltd
Sonko highlighted that the current use of the property aligns with the mission of his team, emphasizing his deep understanding of the property’s history and the transfer process from Kenya Railways Corporation to its pension scheme.
Read also: Sonko Reveals Details of Kalonzo Raila Pact
The court found that the property is, in fact, legally vested in the Kenya Railways Corporation Staff Retirement Benefit Scheme, which is the second defendant in the case and has leased the property to Sonko’s organization. The judge ultimately dismissed Rajkosmag’s case as time-barred, citing procedural flaws in their claims.
The Sonko Rescue Team was hailed for its interventions during the Covid-19 period where thousands of Kenyans within and outside Nairobi benefited from its food donations.
